Token economy

TOKEN ECONOMY FOR BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
What is Token Economy?
It is the system of exchange in which the individual earns tokens as, reinforces and exchanges them for tangible and social reinforces.
Token program involves distribution of tokens
Tokens can be stickers, stars, smiley, face, fake money etc.
Tokens can be accumulated throughout the day and exchanged at a later time
Contants
Define Token Economy
Advantages
Disadvantages
11 Basic Rules
Steps

1. TOKEN ECONOMY Sannet Thomas Asst. Professor, Department of psychology Nucleus arts and science college , Pattambi Consultant Psychologist, ST. Rita’s Hospital , Cherthala

2. C ontents Define Token Economy Advantages Disadvantages 11 Basic Rules Steps

3. What is Token Economy ? It is the system of exchange in which the individual earns tokens as, reinforces and exchanges them for tangible and social reinforces. Token program involves distribution of tokens Tokens can be stickers, stars, smiley, face, fake money etc. Tokens can be accumulated throughout the day and exchanged at a later time

4. Advantages of Token Economy Tokens are flexible Tokens can be used for several needs There is no delay giving tokens after the desired behaviour has been shown It does not matter who gives the tokens It can be consistently applied by multiple teachers/ dotors /supervisor in multiple settings Prevent boredom

5. Disadvantages Takes a lot of preparation and tracking of the behaviour, tokens, and rewards Not everyone will respond to token system Once the system is implemented in one setup, it may not followed through Parental/guardian follow through does not always occur Can lead to dependency Maybe easily abused Can be expensive Require organization and structure

6. 11 Basic Rules Select the target behaviour Present the target behaviour Post the rules and review it frequently Select a token Establish reinforcers which the tokens can be exchanged Develop a reward menu Implement token economy Provide immediate reinforcement for acceptable behaviour Gradually change from continuous to variable schedule of reinforcers Provide time for client to exchange tokens Revise the reward menu frequently

7. Steps/Components Child has no tokens and no access to desired items & activities Child exhibits the desired behaviours Child is provide tokens for engaging in the desired behaviours Child exchanges the tokens for access to desirable items or activities

8. R eference Schultz D & Schultz E (2003) Theories of personality, (10th ed ) Wadsworth cenage learning,USA